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Truly Victorian

Victorian Parasol Cover Pattern

Do you have an antique parasol you'd love to use, but the cover is shattering? Or maybe the cover is not present at all? Well, Truly Victorian has stepped up to the plate and supplied us with a much needed pattern for those parasol needs!

Of course, you'll have to find your parasol to cover. You can use an authentic vintage one or even recover a modern one. Make one to match every outfit! The possibilities are endless!

Although aimed at the Victorian era, we think this pattern will suit any time from then through the 1950s. Parasols sure come in handy at outdoor classic car meets, too!

Truly Victorian are highly recommended and beautifully drafted.

Pattern information from Truly Victorian:

This pattern contains the basic patterns for parasols with 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 ribs, with ribs lengths from 9" to 26". Also included is a pattern for a tip scrunchy that will give a nice finish to the area where the cover meets the tip of the parasol handle.

Parasols were an integral part of life for a Victorian Era lady. Not only were they functional in protecting a lady from the harmful rays of the sun, they were also a decorative accessory to her outdoor costume. They could be of a serviceable plain linen, or a fancy bright silk with ruffles, or an heirloom masterpiece of lace and ribbons. Unfortunately, most of the parasols surviving today have the fabrics in tatters. But the good new is that the finely crafted handles and folding mechanisms are usually still in good condition, and are waiting for someone to come along and recover them, restoring them to new glory.

Recovering an old parasol is not that difficult, and can be a lot of fun. The first step is to find an antique parasol handle that is still in good condition, aside from the fabric cover. The cover can be shredded or even missing, but the skeleton of the parasol should be in good working order, and the ribs straight. (Minor bends that can easily be re-straightened are fine.) Check your local antique stores, Ebay, and other sites that carry antiques and collectibles, and you will be amazed at what you can find. If you are unable to find an antique handle, you can also purchase a new parasol with a suitable handle, and replace the cover to something more suiting to your taste. Sometimes, you can also create a fancier and longer handle by adding spindles and finials to an existing handle.

Sizing and Yardage Information:

Due to the variety of ways to cut the fabric for a parasol, and the different sizes and number of ribs, it is very hard to give exact yardage requirements. Smaller parasols will use less fabric if cut with the grain, and larger parasols will often use less fabric if cut cross grain. Cutting with the selvage as the hem will take more fabric than cutting with a hem. If you are cutting to match prints or motifs, that will also require extra fabric. The following chart is a rough idea of yardage.